Ernest Richard Nader

Ernest “Ernie” Richard Nader of Jacksonville, FL (formerly of Longmont, CO and White Cloud, MI) found his home with his Lord and Savior on September 23, 2025.

Ernie was born on January 13, 1942, to Abraham and Laura (Graham) Nader, the oldest of eight siblings. He was a graduate of White Cloud High School and held a Bachelor’s of Computer Sciences from Regis University.

Ernie was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force (1960-1964). It was during his years of service that he developed a lifelong passion for U.S. military history. He was especially enthusiastic in his love of military aircraft, later becoming an avid model airplane hobbyist. He even staged elaborate aviation battle scenes on numerous basement and garage ceilings in homes he shared with his family over the years.

His love of service extended into his civilian life as well, where Ernie served as a scoutmaster with The Boy Scouts of America and a faithful member of the White Cloud chapter of The Lions Club International. Ernie also served in various leadership and volunteer roles at churches in Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado and Florida, most recently serving as a beloved door greeter at New Life Christian Fellowship in Jacksonville. He was known for his warmth, kindness and sense of humor, as well as his love of a good joke— he was a notorious practical joker in his hometown of White Cloud, Michigan, staging several elaborate pranks, one of which gained the attention of the county newspaper.

Ernie enjoyed a 35-year career with IBM in positions ranging from Field Service Representative to Remote Customer Support. He later worked for 13 years as a Customer Support Representative for Florida Blue Health Plans.

Ernie, an avid storyteller, began the story of a lifetime in 1968 when he married Margaret (Margie) Clark, his lifelong love. Ernie and Margie built a beautiful family including three daughters whose husbands later became beloved sons to Ernie and Margie— Denise (Alan) Yakel, Lori (Michael) Copley, and Mary (Steve) Young. They have been blessed with seven grandchildren— Joshua (Erika) Yakel, Jonathon (Emily) Yakel, Christa Yakel (Matthew Hopson), Lyndsey (Travis) Felver, Jesse Sherwood, Dante’ (Tiffany) Navas, and Niko (Clarissa) Navas and eight great-grandchildren.

Ernie is also survived by his sisters, Rosemary Weber, Peggy (Don) Boyd, Sheila (Ray) Berry, and Victoria Nader, as well as a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Laura Wismar and Abraham Nader, his siblings, Graham Nader, Michael Nader and Betty Espinoza, brother-in-law Elvin Weber, and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life honoring Ernie will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 11 AM at New Life Christian Fellowship. Pastor Paul Zink II officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a financial gift to The Storehouse at New Life Christian Fellowship.